How To Choose A Water Heater Installation Service
A water heater is one of the most critical components in any home or business. Ensuring you have the right unit for your needs and that it has been installed safely is integral to the optimal functioning of your unit. When you need a water installation, you must figure out which company you trust to do quality work. The licensed plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas, list down what you should look for in water heater installation service.
Company reputation
One of the things to consider when shopping for an installation service is the company’s online and offline reputation. A great place to start is with your friends and neighbors. Take some time to talk to family, friends, or neighbors who have recently had hot water heater installation in their homes or businesses. From them, you will gain great insights regarding the companies that provide quality work and those you should avoid. Next, go through online reviews of the companies on your list. Review platforms like Angie’s List provide multiple reviews on relevant businesses your friends recommend.
License and insurance
Heater installation is a complex process that should only be done by professionals. The right company should have plumbers licensed by relevant federal and state bodies. The company should also ensure its professionals carry insurance that provides adequate compensation in case of injuries and damage. Licensed plumbers know the significance of installing energy-efficient water heaters, and you can rely on them to do jobs that meet local building codes.
Certifications
Depending on where you live, the state and county may impose unique requirements for certified contractors. Do a quick search of the local rules to determine the specific certifications that a water installation service in your locality should carry. By hiring a qualified and certified company, you are not only guaranteed the highest standards of workmanship, but the industry itself also backs up all the work. Certified plumbers provide quality services to protect the safety of your home and keep your system functional.
Experience
Determine how long a company has been in operation. An exemplary installation service will have plenty of experience with HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. A plumber with a wealth of industry experience boasts extensive knowledge of the different heater models and their pros and cons. They are also knowledgeable about common plumbing issues you are likely to experience and the steps to avoid them.
Emergency services
Like all other home appliances, water heaters are prone to malfunctioning issues. These issues can happen at any time, including the wee hours of the night. A good installation service should guarantee 24/7 availability to address emergencies. Hiring such plumbers gives you peace of mind knowing help is only a call away should your heater experience issues when you need it most.
Company tools and technology
You should also find out whether the company deploys top-notch tools and technologies for best installation. Having the latest equipment guarantees quick and efficient installation service that saves time and costs. The plumbers should be well trained on emerging technologies and equipment to minimize risks of failures due to improper installation and maximize the unit’s efficiencies. It is always advisable to ask the company about the equipment and technologies they will use for heater installation.
Availability and responsiveness
When replacing an old unit that keeps breaking down, you don’t want to wait long to get a new water heater installed. Look for a professional company that offers same-day installation within 24 hours. If a company says it will be several days before it gets to you, it is best to choose a different company.
Honesty and integrity
A trustworthy installation service should provide you with a written estimate of the entire work. The technician should explain the process and offer a clear breakdown of the cost of equipment and services. An honest contractor should be transparent about their charges and recommend the most appropriate services for your needs. It should be receptive to questions and offer straightforward answers. If the company is dodgy about its estimates, choose another company.
Cost
While shopping for the best contractor, it is essential to get quotes from several companies. You can choose the company with the lowest price to ensure you save costs and stick to your budget. However, price should not be the only motivating factor when choosing a company. While it is tempting to go for a company with the lowest bid, this can prove disastrous down the line. Companies with prices that are way below average market rates may likely be lacking the required certifications and knowledgeable workforce. You will likely end up with a substandard service that proves costly to rectify.
Warranty
Hire a water heater installation company that stands behind its work. Professional companies are so confident in their technicians, their skills, and their workmanship that they have a guarantee on all their installations. When they install a system, they guarantee it will function according to specifications and will back that guarantee for five to 10 years. With these guarantees, you can enjoy several years of worry-free comfort, knowing your new system is backed by the best installation guarantees. Shady contractors refuse to commit to anything and offer no warranty on their services or products.
Ask for proposal
After selecting your plumbing company, ask the plumber to provide a written proposal. A proposal details the costs, job schedules, model members, payment schedules, warranty information, insurance, and other details that protect you should an issue arise. Review the proposal with your contractor and sign before any work commences.
Work with the pros at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas
Hot water heaters contribute to the health and comfort of your home. Hiring the right installation service for your needs will keep your unit in top shape and reduce costs. If you need to replace your water heater, you may be looking into which company to hire.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas offers complete water heater services for homes and businesses. Our services include installation, repair, servicing, and maintenance. Our certified plumbers help you make the best choice for your home’s water heater installation needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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Tips From An Emergency Plumber: Switch To A Tankless Water Heater
There are so many reasons why we think it’s best to switch to tankless water heaters. We’ll talk about all of them in this article. An emergency plumber also recommends you switch to the tankless unit, especially if one of your top priorities is to save money on your plumbing and reduce the risk of plumbing leaks. Read this article if you want to know the benefits of buying an energy-efficient water heater. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
Why Go Tankless
How old is your water heater? If you have a tank-type water heater that’s more than 7 years old or is no longer that efficient, you may want to consider switching to a tankless water heater. One of the signs to know your water heater is no longer efficient is when you get higher utility bills or if you keep having issues with your unit. A plumber might recommend you switch to an energy-efficient water heater to save more money. Below are the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater. If you have questions or are ready to switch, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime.
You Can Save Money
If you’re still using a tank-type water heater, I guess you’re aware that you need to keep turning it on to have hot water. You just can’t turn it off or it’s going to take forever to get hot water. With the tankless unit though, you will only need to use energy when using hot water or when you turn on the shower or your faucet. This is why a plumber recommends it because there’s no standby heat loss with the tankless unit.
Because there’s no standby heat loss with the tankless water heater, this means you’re not using a lot of energy, which also means you get to save money. Just make sure you hire a licensed emergency plumber to help you install the unit. Incorrect installation can also lead to other problems including costly repairs or replacement so make sure you hire us.
Reduces Leak
Having a huge water tank at home can be risky because you may end up with a flooded home if you don’t properly maintain your water heater tank. You don’t have to worry about this when you decide to switch to a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater is a compact unit, which means you can just install it on the bathroom wall. No need to worry about a leaky water heater tank if you switch to a tankless water heater. Talk to a plumber if you need more information about tankless water heaters or when you’re ready to install one. Our team can help you make an informed decision on which tankless water heater brand to install in your home.
Tankless Units Require Less Maintenance
If you have a tank-type water heater, it’s important to flush the water heater tank once a year to remove the mineral buildup that can affect the efficiency of your water heater. Other homeowners may need to also flush the water heater more than once a year especially when they have high hard water levels in their plumbing. If they don’t remove the sediment buildup, it’s going to affect the efficiency of their water heater. They may suddenly lose hot water or have fluctuations in the water’s temperature. The only way to avoid this problem is by properly maintaining your water heater.
Additionally, you need to also hire an emergency plumber to professionally inspect the unit and ensure you have clean water at home. The plumber will also need to check if the important components of your water heater are still working.
You Can Increase the Value of Your Home
Are you aware that potential homebuyers prefer an energy-efficient home? This is because they get to save more money in the long run. So if you intend to put your home up for sale, we recommend you consider ditching that old water heater tank and replacing that with a newer unit. Having an energy-efficient water heater can increase the value of your home and you may be able to demand a higher price for it.
Is It Time to Switch?
As mentioned, call a plumber if you have an old water heater that’s no longer efficient. You will be able to save more money when you go tankless. It’s also time to switch especially when you keep calling a plumber for repairs. The cost of repairs can add up over time and this can cost you more money down the road. Want to save more? Switch to a tankless water heater instead because it offers more benefits.
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas Today
If you need help deciding whether you should keep your old water heater or get a new one, get in touch with an emergency plumber today. Our plumbing experts can inspect your unit and advise you whether or not it’s wiser to keep it or if you’ll be able to save more money when you purchase a new one. We recommend the tankless water heater because it can last up to 20 years, which means you don’t need to keep buying a new unit every few years or so. Our team can also help you install your new unit and ensure it stays efficient.
Are you thinking of getting a new water heater? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. We have the right plumber who can help.
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas for an appointment.
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Is It Time To Replace Your Water Heater? Consider Rheem Tankless Water Heaters
The average lifespan of a tank water heater is eight to 12 years. When the unit nears the end of its lifespan, it will stop functioning as efficiently as it once did and will have to work harder to heat the water to the desired temperature. Also, the inside of the tank can break down and contaminate the water, and eventually, the unit won’t heat the water.
If it’s time to start planning for a water heater replacement, you should know that you don’t have to install another tank water heater. Rheem tankless water heaters are an excellent option and provide benefits you won’t get from a traditional tank water heater.
Rheem tankless water heaters and other tankless models cost more than tank units and are more expensive to install. When you understand how a tankless unit can benefit your home and family, you’ll likely be willing to spend the extra money.
Energy Efficiency
There are many energy-efficient tank water heaters on the market, but if you want maximum energy efficiency, you should look into Rheem tankless water heaters. These units are 8 to 14 percent more energy efficient than tank models, and you can make the unit more energy efficient if you install a demand water heater at each hot water outlet.
Tank units store the hot water, so they must run during the day. Tankless water heaters only turn on when someone turns on the hot water and won’t need to run all day, so tankless models are more energy efficient than tank units.
Save Money on Your Electric Bills
The more energy efficient a unit is, the lower your electric bills will be, and tankless water heaters are as energy-efficient as you will get. According to the US. Department of Energy, you can save $414 to $104 a year on your energy bills if you install a tankless water heater.
As mentioned above, tankless units cost more and are more expensive to install, but you’ll save money on your electric bills throughout the unit’s life. If you have the money to invest in a tankless water heater and the installation, it will save money in the long run.
Free Up Space in Your Home
Tank water heaters are big and bulky because they store 40 to 80 gallons of water and can be an eyesore if the unit is visible in a living area in your house. Installing a tankless water heater can save space and improve your home’s appearance.
Tankless units are about the size of a suitcase and won’t take up space in the house. The unit can be hung on a wall in the bathroom or closet and can even be installed on an exterior wall, freeing up floor space and won’t create an eyesore in the house.
Reduce the Risk of Running Out of Hot Water
Tank water heaters heat and store the water so you’ll always have hot water when needed. The downside to tank models is that if your family uses too much hot water in a short period, the hot water supply will be depleted, and it can take an hour or longer for the tank to recover.
Tankless water heaters don’t store water and provide hot water on demand, so you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water when needed.
Eliminate the Risk of a Flood
Tank water heaters store 40 to 80 gallons of water, and the last thing you want is for the unit to leak, causing a flood in your home. Leaks occur when large pieces of sediment bang against the inside of the tank for a significant amount of time, and it can wear down due to age, allowing the water to spill out.
If you install a tankless water heater in your home, you won’t have to worry about a flood. Tankless units don’t store water, eliminating the risk of a flood. The unit can leak if it isn’t working correctly, but it won’t leak enough water to cause water damage, and it can be cleaned up with a towel.
Longer Lifespan
As mentioned above, tank water heaters have an average lifespan of eight to 12 years, and Tankless water heaters have twice the lifespan and can last up to 20 years. Although the water heater will be more expensive than a tank model, it will last twice as long, so you’ll have to replace a tank unit twice and a tankless model once; therefore, tankless models are the more cost-effective option.
The Gold Standard in Water Heaters
If you’ve decided to install a tankless water heater, you should talk to your plumber about Rheem tankless water heaters. According to Forbes Home, they are one of the top three water heater brands and have excellent reviews from customers currently using the brand.
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas
If it’s time to replace your water heater and you want to learn more about tankless units or have one installed, look no further than bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas. We’re a full-service plumbing company providing superior service to customers in the North Dallas area.
Our plumbers have undergone years of training and apprenticeship to learn their craft, and their knowledge and skill have allowed them to handle some of the most challenging plumbing jobs in the industry.
Our plumbers will arrive at your home on time when you call for plumbing service in a fully-stocked truck. This allows them to make most repairs on the same day, which is convenient for you.
If you have a plumbing problem that must be addressed immediately, or it happens when we’re out of the office, you don’t have to worry. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we’ll get a plumber to your house quickly to resolve the problem.
If you need an appointment for plumbing service, call us at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas or book online.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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What To Consider Before A New Water Heater Installation
Wouldn’t it be great to install a water heater that lasts forever? Unfortunately, tank water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years and must then be replaced. Your water heater will stop functioning as efficiently as it once did when it nears the end of its lifespan, and eventually, it will stop working.
Before a new water heater installation, there are a few things to consider to ensure you install the suitable unit for your family’s needs and that there are no unpleasant surprises.
Choosing the Right Unit
Two types of water heaters are available, traditional tank units and tankless units, and each has pros and cons. If you’re replacing a tank water heater, you don’t have to install another tank model, and a tankless water heater is an option. You should know the benefits of each before making a decision.
- Tank models: Cold water fills the tank unit and heats and stores the water, so you always have hot water when necessary. The benefits of a tank unit include the following:
- Tank models are the least expensive option.
- Tank models are the easiest to install so labor costs will be lower.
- The installation won’t take long.
- Tankless models: Tankless units don’t heat and store water, and the unit only turns on when you turn on the hot water, providing hot water on demand. The benefits of tankless models include the following:
- Tankless models don’t store water, so they don’t have to run all day and are the most energy-efficient option.
- Installing a tankless model will reduce your electric bills.
- The unit provides hot water on demand, so you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water.
- The unit is about the size of a suitcase and can be hung on an interior or exterior wall, freeing up space in your home.
- The unit doesn’t store water, so you won’t have to worry about a crack causing a flood in your house.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank units and take longer to install so the labor costs will be more expensive. However, it costs less to run a tankless model so you will save money throughout the unit’s life. If you have the money to invest in a tankless water heater, it’s the better option. If not, a tankless model will work just as well.
Energy Efficiency
As mentioned above, tankless models are the more energy-efficient option; however, if you plan to install a tank water heater, you should choose the most energy-efficient option. Water heaters Energy Guide stickers that provide the annual estimated cost for that unit on a scale. This gives you an idea of what it will cost to run the unit and how energy-efficient it is compared to other models. Selecting an energy-efficient model will save on your energy costs during the unit’s life.
Who Will Install the Unit?
When you have decided which type of unit to install, you have to figure out who will install it. You may be tempted to install the unit yourself to save money on the cost of labor, but this is a bad idea. Water heater installation is complicated, and you can damage the unit or flood your home if it isn’t installed correctly. Also, most water heaters come with a warranty, and a DIY installation will void it.
It’s best to hire a licensed plumber to install the new unit. They can help you decide which type of water heater is best for you and will install the unit correctly so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down. It’s important to understand that if you choose to install a tankless model, you must find a plumber specializing in installation, maintenance, and repair.
What Happens to the Old Unit?
The old unit must be disposed of when the new one is installed, which should be figured out first. Some plumbers will dispose of the old unit for free when the water heater installation is complete, and this is the easiest and most cost-effective option. Some plumbers will remove the water heater from your home and will add the disposal cost to your bill. Finally, some plumbers won’t remove or dispose of the old unit, and it’s up to you to figure it out yourself. When you hire a plumber to handle your water heater installation, you should ask what their policy is regarding the old unit. Hiring a plumber that will remove the unit for free will make the process easier for you,
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas Today
If it’s time to replace your existing water heater, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas can help. We’re a full-service plumbing company and a member of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association.
Our plumbers are highly trained and qualified, and their knowledge and skill have allowed them to take on some of the toughest jobs in the plumbing industry. If you have a plumbing problem that must be addressed immediately, don’t panic. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for emergencies. When you call us for emergency service, we’ll get a plumber to your house as soon as possible so the problem can be resolved quickly.
We do our best to keep our prices low and don’t charge trip fees or overtime charges. Also, we have money-saving coupons for equipment and services on our website. You can also join our bfpad Proactive Protection Program, which entitles you to priority service, a fee plumbing evaluation every year, and 15 percent off service.
We have an excellent reputation in the community and are an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau, and we have a 5-star rating. We’ve also been recognized for our superior service in the awards we’ve won, such as Home Advisor’s Best of Award in 2020 and Experian.com Best Plumber in Frisco in 2021.
If you need to schedule an appointment, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas today.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Money-Saving Tips From Your Trusted Plumber
One of your priorities as a homeowner is to save money on your plumbing. This is why we prepared this long list of plumbing tips to help you save more money and avoid repairs. If you need more tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friendly plumber.
Plumbing Tips That Save Money
Check out the tips below:
- If you live in an area that gets a lot of storms and you happen to have a basement, we recommend installing a sump pump to prevent flooding and safeguard the appliances stored in your basement. To test the pump, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit, just enough to let the float switch turn on and the pump drains the water from the sump pit. We also suggest you get extra batteries in case the storm results in a power interruption. The extra batteries should keep the pump operating efficiently.
- Do you have little kids at home? Make sure you educate them on how to properly use the toilet and the drains to prevent clogs. Also, never use chemical-based drain cleaners for your drains and consider installing a garbage disposal to help you better manage your food waste. For installation, hire a licensed professional only.
- If there’s one thing you should know about your home, it should be where the shut-off valve is located. Why, you ask? The shut-off valve is a device used to turn off the water in case a plumber does major repairs or when there’s a leak in your plumbing. It’s also better to place these shut-off valves around your home, not just in the basement to make it easier for you to turn off your water. Place these shut-off valves near your water heater and other major plumbing appliances.
- The first thing you need to do when there’s a plumbing emergency or a gas leak is to not panic. Calmly turn off the water when there’s a risk of flooding or open the windows for proper ventilation when there’s a gas leak. The next step is to call a professional to inspect and resolve the problem.
- Watch out for hidden leaks for they might suddenly lead to a costly plumbing emergency when not detected right away. Signs of hidden leaks include water spots in the ceilings or walls or bulging wallpapers. Try to check the yard as well for pooling water. Other signs of hidden leaks include higher water bills and low water pressure. If you suspect a problem, please make sure you contact us immediately for assistance.
- Be careful with high water pressure for it can eventually damage the plumbing pipes. It can also waste hundreds of gallons of water. A water pressure regulator should help you resolve this problem. Call a plumber to help you install a water pressure regulator.
- DIY projects are okay as long as they don’t involve major plumbing repairs and installations. While a YouTube video can help, you can’t always rely on it. If you need assistance with a plumbing appliance, we suggest you call a professional instead to ensure you’re getting the right help.
- Don’t install a major appliance because most manufacturers would require homeowners to get professional installation to keep the service warranty. Call us if you’re planning to install a new water heater or garbage disposal and we’ll help. Our plumbing experts are experienced with major brands and will make sure the unit is properly installed.
- If it’s your first time ever using an appliance, please don’t skip reading the manual. We’ve received calls from homeowners complaining about a damaged appliance when it was they who made the mistake. To avoid costly repairs, ask questions if you’re not sure how to properly operate the unit.
- For routine plumbing inspections, make sure you hire a licensed professional only. Qualified professionals are fully equipped and prioritize your safety most of all. They also adhere to codes and strictly follow the process to avoid issues with the unit.
- If there are trees near your home, make sure your plumbing is in top shape. Otherwise, a tiny leak in your plumbing is enough for these trees to infiltrate your pipes and cause major damage.
- Don’t forget to protect all exposed pipes during winter to prevent leaks and save money on your plumbing. Get an insulating blanket and then slightly turn on the faucet or the heating to warm the pipes.
- Flush the water heater tank at least once a year to get rid of sediment buildup. While it’s recommended to do this once a year, you might need to do it more than once when you have hard water or low water pressure. The sediment can build up faster when there’s low water pressure.
- Switch to tankless water heaters if you want to save money. There’s no standby heat loss with the tankless unit and you can just install it in your bathroom. It also lasts twice as long as the standard water heater. The only downside is the cost of purchasing one but you do get to save more money because it’s more energy-efficient.
Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas ASAP
If you’re looking for a competent and dependable plumber for your home or business, you’ve got the right team for it. Our plumbing experts are more than qualified. They’re also quite experienced and they work hard to ensure all of our clients are happy with our services. Most importantly, we prioritize your safety most of all, which is why we always adhere to codes. Call us today if you need repairs, installations or inspections. We are always available to help.
Get in touch with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas now for an appointment.
See our previous blog on this topic here.
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